Na'vis and Natives

I thought I was the only one that so disliked Avatar, but my reasons differ from Andrew Pulver's (Shortcuts, G2, 11 January): the narrative of the noble savage triumphing with the help of the colonist who has gone native runs deep in Anglo-American mythology and is an insult to the historical reality even when presented as science fiction. Chris ­McGreal's article (Obama's Indian problem, G2, 11 January) clearly reveals what happens when an indigenous population comes up against a technologically advanced society bent on taking over the land and making a profit: a form of genocide that does not stop when the war ends.

• Until my retirement a few years ago I worked in the court system on the Pacific west coast, which took me almost weekly to the local native reserve of about 650 people. Though not so severe as Pine Ridge, the problems and despair were parallel. I have seen and sensed some of the suffering from alcohol, drugs and other abuses. I believe that the problem is widespread across much of Canada. The federal governments of the US and Canada must stop using "spin" and pay attention to the wonderful wisdom of many of the native elders.